'Big Bird' Asked To Fly On Doomed Space Shuttle Challenger

NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- If Mickey is the world's most famous mouse, then "Big Bird" is the most famous bird. Caroll Spinney, 80, is stepping outside the Big Bird costume in the new movie from Tribeca films titled, "I am Big Bird. The Caroll Spinney Story."

The movie is being released today at the IFC Center in New York. It then rolls out across the country beginning May 15.

Web Extra: Click Here For The Full Interview With Spinney

1010 WINS talked to Spinney ahead of the movie's release, which features cameos by Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch.

In the interview, Spinney talks about playing Big Bird for more than 45 years, the love of his life and the unexpected decision by NASA that saved his life.

Spinney said he was handed a note while on the Sesame Street set with a beautiful emblem from NASA.

"I opened it up and it was from the five astronauts who were the major people of the space shuttle for that year, and would I be interested in going up in the space shuttle, Spinney said. "Because the children of America were very excited over the space shuttle ... they thought if Big Bird was up there, children would watch the space shuttle more."

Turns out, there wasn't enough room for Spinney and the 8-foot-tall Big Bird costume, so he was unable to go.

Spinney was replaced by New Hampshire teacher Christa McAuliffe on the doomed Challenger in 1986.